Mary L. Saunders is a retired Major General from the United States Air Force. She was named to the Texas Women's Hall of Fame in 2012. She was born in Nacogdoches, Texas and grew up in Houston. Saunders began her career at the Officer Training School at Lackland Air Force Base in Texas; she was received her commission as a second lieutenant and began service in 1971. She earned a BSc in social work from Texas Woman's University and an MA in guidance and counselling from Rider College. Saunders attended Squadron Officer School and Air War College at Maxwell Air Force Base and the National Security Leadership Course at Johns Hopkins University.